The Doctoral Program of the Department of Legal Studies offers a unique opportunity to conduct independent research, complete doctoral-level course work and gain experience with teaching and other academic activities. The Department of Legal Studies welcomes doctoral projects on topics pertaining to our research and teaching areas. Applicants holding a law degree and an additional master's degree qualify for an SJD degree offered by the Department of Legal Studies. Applicants who do not have a law degree, but hold a master's degree in a field related to human rights, qualify for a PhD degree in Political Science - Human Rights Track, offered jointly by the Department of Political Science. The Doctoral Program aims to provide an opportunity to promising young scholars to conduct comparative research into a complex problem in comparative constitutional law, international business law or human rights which has both profound theoretical and practical relevance. Supervision for doctoral projects is provided by our international permanent and visiting faculty. In addition to conducting independent research doctoral students benefit from doctoral courses, research grants enabling further research at renowned law schools or research institutions, opportunities for supervised teaching and a wide range of other doctoral activities (such as conferences, workshops, summer schools). Physical presence in Budapest is required during the first three years of the SJD program, except for research periods abroad. The SJD degree is awarded on the basis of completion of the credit requirements from course work and other doctoral activities, and the successful public defense of the doctoral thesis (dissertation) before a panel composed of internal and external experts. Our doctoral graduates have been successful in obtaining post-graduate research positions and teaching appointments at leading academic institutions. We are also proud to know senior NGO and international law firm personnel among our doctoral alumni.

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